Percy replied with a wan smile.
“I hope his visit will not coincide with our trip to Dorset,” Anna said. “If he should visit after we return, then we must arrange a dinner party. Dorothy and I would be pleased to meet him.”
“Miss Maria,” Percy said, “I am happy you had an agreeable trip. I know you seldom get away. It must have been refreshing for you.”
“I was telling Harry I should like to travel more often, but it is difficult for us to get away with our many responsibilities.”
Harry was having a difficult time maintaining his smile and his patience as Maria had suggested. He asked Anna, “Now that the memorial service is over are you able to settle down again, or are you still dealing with issues about the estate?”
That sobered Anna somewhat, but she replied, “It is taking time to sort everything out, but we will be meeting with the solicitor before we leave and hopefully we can get most issues settled then.”
“If you need any assistance or advice, please feel free to call upon me.” But he felt stupid saying that. He needed todisengagefrom her, not engage even further. He must learn to leave well enough alone.
“Thank you, but I believe almost everything is in hand.”
Percy stood. “Miss Anna, I really must go. I have paid my respects and wished you and your sister a good trip, and I trust you will tell me all about your visit on your return.”
Anna stood and walked him to the door. “Thank you, Mr. Percy. It was very kind of you to call. I shall tell Dorothy of your good wishes.”
Just as they were to reach the door, it opened, and Dorothy appeared from her walk, her bonnet in her hand and her face flush from the fresh air.
“Oh, hello… guests. My gracious, if I had known…” She held up an armful of flowers. “And look what I found along the byway. Are they not lovely?” She handed several flowers to each of the guests, ending with Percy who was just about to leave. “I am so happy. We are off to see my darling Christopher in just a few days. La… I could dance all the way there if it would not be so tiring.”
Percy took her hand and kissed it. “And a very happy voyage, Miss Dorothy.”
She touched the end of his nose. “Thank you, Mr. Percy. I shall.”
That surprised him and for some reason he teared up and covered his face.
Harry could see that Maria witnessed that and he saw the look of concern on her face.
“I am sorry. I really must go,” he mumbled and rushed out.
Maria followed after him.
Dorothy was surprised. “Is everything all right? Did I interrupt something?”
Anna said, “Everyone seems to be a little emotional this afternoon. But it is nothing serious.”
“Very well then,” she said unfazed by everyone else’s drama. “I shall find water for these flowers and then I am ready for tea.” She turned and danced out of the room.
Harry and Anna were alone, and he did not know what to say to her.
“Do you think Maria is seriously interested in that young man from the fair?” she asked, as she sat down and gestured for Harry to sit as well.
“Perhaps. But it was a very short encounter and far too early to know.”
“I should so like her to be happy. And I feel badly that Percy has pivoted his attentions to me and away from her.”
“She is being very adult about it. And now that she has interest from my friend, Roger, I do believe it relieves the sting somewhat.”
Anna lowered her gaze. “And you, Harry? How are you doing these days?”
“I am fine,” he said, not very convincingly. “I expect you must have heard about the incident with the cattle. I did not have time to tell you before we left for Winchester.”
“I did. Percy has been visiting regularly and he was quite candid about his father’s hand in the incident. He feels very badly for you. He has taken some of the shame upon himself, even though it was all his father’s doing.”
“I noticed that. And he is my friend and I will try to relieve his guilt, if I can.”
